On this day 50 years ago Princess Anne underwent a terrifying ordeal that would have traumatised most people, however she managed to respond with her trademark acerbic wit.
In an event that rocked the Royal Family, on March 20, 1974 the Princess Royal and her first husband Captain Mark Phillips were on their way back to Buckingham Palace when their path was blocked by another car.
The royal couple were accompanied by Anne’s bodyguard at the time, Jim Beaton, who was then shot in the shoulder by the driver of the mysterious car, Ian Ball.
Mr Ball also attacked a passing journalist who tried to intervene, as his plan was to kidnap the Princess and hold her to ransom for £2 million.
However, when the would-be kidnapper attempted to threaten Anne and get her to come with him, she replied in an extraordinarily calm manner, simply saying: “Not bloody likely!”
A boxer named Ronnie Russell fortunately also happened to be in the vicinity and immediately came to assist, punching Mr Ball in the head.
Both Mr Beaton and Mr Russell were honoured for their bravery, with the former bodyguard being awarded the George Cross after he was shot three times trying to defend the Princess.
He later told the police in this statement: “I felt tired and very drunk, although I hadn’t been drinking. I just wanted to lie down.”
Mr Beaton, journalist Brian McConnell, Anne’s chauffeur Alexander Callender, and police constable Michael Hills were all shot that night, but thankfully all survived.
The Princess Royal later went to visit Mr Beaton in hospital to thank him for his efforts, and he later told The Times how security practices changed for the Firm after the incident.
He explained: “I had nothing… There was no back-up vehicle. The training was non-existent; but then again, [we thought] nothing was going to happen. They are highly specialised now, highly trained.”
Ian Ball was arrested and pleaded guilty to attemped murder and kidnapping, and was sent to Broadmoor Hospital due to his schizophrenia diagnosis, where he remains to this day.
